Odisha CM approves bonus and incentives for kendu leaf workers
Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has taken a big decision in the interest of lakhs of workers associated with Kendu leaf trade. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday approved the proposal to give bonus and incentives to Kendu leaf pluckers, binders and seasonal employees. This decision of the government is expected to provide financial relief to lakhs of workers in the state.
After the approval of the Chief Minister, workers involved in kendu leaf collection and processing work will get additional benefits. The state government has also decided to increase the rates of purchasing kendu leaves. This will directly benefit those people who earn their livelihood by collecting kendu leaves from the forests.
As per the decision of the government, the price of one “Keri” i.e. bundle of 20 leaves has been increased by 10 paise in the processing area. At the same time, the price of a “phala” i.e. a bundle of 40 leaves has been increased by 20 paise. This increase in purchase rates will put an additional financial burden of approximately Rs 10.78 crore on the state exchequer.
Apart from this, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced to give 25 percent bonus to the workers plucking kendu leaves. At the same time, 5 percent incentive will be given to the workers and seasonal staff tying kendu leaves. The government says that this step has been taken with the aim of honoring the hard work of the people associated with the kendu leaf trade and strengthening their economic condition.
The state government will spend around Rs 64 crore for payment of bonuses and incentives. Lakhs of workers will get direct benefits from this amount. The government believes that most of the people involved in kendu leaf collection are from rural and forest areas, a large part of whose income depends on this work.
Kendu leaf is included in the major minor forest produce of Odisha. In many districts of the state, a large number of people do the work of collecting kendu leaves during a certain season of the year. These leaves are mainly used in making beedis. Kendu leaf trade is considered an important part of the rural economy of the state.
This decision of the government will provide additional financial assistance to labor families living in forest areas. This relief is considered important especially for those laborers who work with limited resources and whose income depends on seasonal employment.
Earlier too, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has emphasized on development and livelihood enhancement of rural and tribal areas. The announcement of bonus and incentive for Kendu leaf workers is being considered as a step in this direction.
According to officials, the increase in Kendu leaf purchase rates will enable workers to get better prices for their produce. This will encourage them for collection work and will also strengthen the Kendu leaf business.
Labor organizations and people associated with Kendu Patta have welcomed this decision of the government. He says that by getting bonuses and incentives, the financial problems of the workers will be reduced and they will get proper benefits of their hard work.
Kendu leaf collecting workers have been demanding bonus and better pay for a long time. In such a situation, this decision of the government is being seen as a big relief for them. It is expected to have a positive impact in rural areas.
The state government says that it is continuously working for the welfare of the people involved in forest-based livelihood. In the coming times also, such steps will be taken so that the income of the people of rural and forest areas can increase.
At present, after the approval of the Chief Minister, the concerned department will now proceed with the process of distribution of bonus and incentives. Lakhs of Kendu Patta workers are expected to get the benefits of this decision soon. This step of the government is being seen as an important economic support for the workers associated with the forest sector of Odisha.